Sambalpur, April 18: Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed on the premises of the Wild Animal Conservation Centre (WACC), popularly known as deer park, in a bid to keep tabs on visitors.

The range officer of the park, Madanlal Sharma, said: "Ten surveillance cameras have been installed on the park premises at an estimated cost of around Rs 2 lakh."

"The surveillance cameras have been installed to keep a check on unruly visitors, who harass the wild animals in the enclosures. Moreover, it will also help us to know whether the staff members of the conservation centre are following the necessary guidelines while feeding the wild animals. We will also be able to monitor the activities of the animals in the zoo. The entry and exit of vehicles could also be monitored," said Sharma.

"It has come to our notice that many visitors gather around enclosures and harass the animals. They hurl fruits, packets, popcorns, and even small stones at the animals and disturb them. The cameras will help us check such objectionable activities. We can monitor the activities of the visitors sitting in our office room," said an official of the conservation centre.

The deer park, which was established in 1980, is located in the heart of the city and spreads over 13.16 hectares. It is the only zoo in the whole of western Odisha. It houses around 250 birds and animals that include spotted deer, four horned antelopes, barking deer, sloth bears, wild boars, monkeys, pythons, peacocks, parakeets, spotted doves and a number of exotic birds. On an average, 400 visitors regularly visit the conservation centre.

"Earlier, the zoo authorities had installed 34 solar lights on the premises to ensure safety and security of the animals and birds at the centre. Now, the zoo authorities have installed cameras. I am happy to see the arrangements made by them for the safety of the animals here," said Sanjaya Dash, a visitor.